The TG4 Championship has reached the business end with finals taking place this weekend in both Connacht and Ulster. 

 

Sunday, July 3^rd

TG4 Connacht Senior Football Championship Final

Galway v Mayo, Elvery's McHale Park, 4:30pm

Galway and Mayo have a famous rivalry but this was never more evident than in the 2015 TG4 Connacht championship final when the favourites, Galway, needed a last minute winner to deny a Mayo team that may have deserved the victory. Things are different this year as Mayo will enter this match as favourites following an impressive Lidl NFL Division 1 campaign that saw them reach the final and put in a strong showing against Cork.

Willie Ward has decided to give youth it's chance in Galway as he is forced to plan without some of his more experienced players, Sinead Burke and Ger Conneally are both unavailable while Annette Clarke has retired and Tracey Leonard has a long term knee injury. However, Galway have had great success underage and the players that have delivered that success will be relied upon on Sunday. Nicola and Louise Ward are well established on the panel but the Kilkerrin Clonberne twins are yet to turn 20, fellow underage star Olivia Divilly will hope to make a big impact as will full forward Megan Glynn who was superb throughout their league campaign. Experience will come from players like Noelle Connolly, Patricia Gleeson and Edel Concannon but it will be Roisin Leonard that will be expected to be their key forward and score taker in the absence of her Corofin clubmate, Tracey Leonard.

Mayo will be fully motivated in their quest to win back the Connacht title for the first time in 5 years especially after suffering such a heart breaking defeat in last year's decider. Mayo were the story of the Lidl NFL as they won 7 from 7 in the League stages and progressed to the final before narrowly losing out to Cork. Mayo suffered a big blow early in that match as they lost their young star, Aileen Gilroy, to injury but she has returned to the middle of the field where her battle with Louise Ward will be a key factor. The spine of the Mayo side is particularly strong with All Star goalkeeper, Yvonne Byrne, playing behind Martha Carter with team captain Sarah Tierney occupying the centre of the defence. Gilroy will be joined by Clodagh McManamon in a strong midfield pairing with Fiona McHale and the great Cora Staunton occupying the central attacking positions. There is huge potential in this Mayo side and should players like Niamh Kelly, Sarah Rowe and Marie Corbett deliver on their rich promise it could mean that new champions will be crowned in the West.
 

TG4 Ulster Senior Football Championship Final

Monaghan v Cavan, Clones, 2:00pm

There is little doubt that the pairing of Monaghan and Cavan in the TG4 Ulster final is something of a surprise line up as neither team was favourite to win their semi finals. However, the form book was thrown out the window as Armagh and Donegal were both condemned to the qualifiers. Cavan will hope to create history as they aim to claim the Ulster title for the first time since 1977 whereas Monaghan have been there and done that although they have not claimed the title since 2013.

Cavan have been on the verge of joining the elite in recent years as they continue to bring through plenty of young talent from their successful youth teams. However, the Breffni county have struggled to make that breakthrough into the top ranks. A win for Cavan this Sunday could be the catalyst that this side needs to make that last step up as challengers for the All Ireland title. There are plenty of quality players in their ranks including Gráinne McGlade, Donna English, Róisín O'Keefe and Aisling Sheridan. However, they will need an especially big performance from their main forward, Aisling Doonan, who will be vital from placed balls and as the creative spark for their forwards.

Monaghan were not enjoying a vintage year by their lofty standards. Paula Cunningham took over a team in transition that had lost many of the stars that had made them regular challengers for All Ireland glory. They had a disappointing Lidl NFL campaign winning only one match and surviving relegation by the narrowest of margins. However, Cunningham seems to have used the break well as she has galvanised her side and rediscovered the old swagger that made them 4 in a row Ulster Champions. Sharon Courtney has been moved into the centre of the field where her footballing intelligence is better put to use alongside her sister and 3 time All Star Cora Courtney. Aoife McAnespie has rediscovered the form that has made her one of the most feared forwards in the country with Ellen McCarron proving to be a brilliant target on the edge of the square. Rosemary Courtney and Eimear McAnespie are two youngsters who are making a big impact and could provide make the difference for their county.

With the Ulster GAA Championship meeting between Cavan and Tyrone taking place after this match a large crowd is expected to be in attendance and that should work to the benefit of Cavan. However, the experienced star players from Monaghan are well used to this type of pressure. This should be a brilliant match with two good sides playing with plenty at stake.

TG4 Connacht Intermediate Football Championship Final

Leitrim v Sligo, Elvery's McHale Park, 2:30pm

Leitrim and Sligo both progressed through a gruelling series of matches to reach this stage. Leitrim are defending their title and will want to make sure that the rest of the Intermediate grade is put on notice as to their intentions later this Summer. Leitrim will again rely on Áine Tighe to provide the scores to steer them to victory but she is ably assisted by Carla LeGuen and Michelle Guckian in a potent forward unit. Sligo will expect to be considered favourites for this game as they secured their status in Division 2 of the Lidl NFL, one division above their opposition on Sunday. Noelle Gormley is key to the hopes of the Sligo women as, despite the fact that she lines out in goal, she tends to be the launch pad for the majority of their attacks. Stephanie O'Reilly will provide leadership from Centre Forward with Ciara Gorman expected to cause plenty of problems in the full forward line.
 

TG4 Ulster Intermediate Football Championship Final

Tyrone v Down, Clones, 12:00pm

Tyrone and Down will meet in the Ulster Intermediate championship in a match that has the potential to be the best of the day. Tyrone will be hoping that playing in front of a large crowd gathering for their men's county team can give them the extra push towards victory. Tyrone suffered a massive blow after losing their captain and most impressive performer, Neamh Woods, to an arm injury. Tyrone are something of an unknown package at this level having operated in the senior grade until this year and having played in the top division of the Lidl NFL until this season. Down will not want for motivation as they look at the Tyrone jersey on the other side of the field and they will be determined to make sure that their opponents don't enjoy their return to this grade. Aileen Pyers is expected to line out at full forward where the former All Star is so effective and should she hit her top form it could prove decisive in what will be a very close contest.

Under 14 All Ireland Finals

Friday, July 1^st 

Under 14 'C' All Ireland Final

Leitrim v Sligo, Boyle GAA, 6:45pm (G. McMahon)

 

Saturday, July 2^nd

Under 14 'B' All Ireland Final

Meath v Tipperary, Nenagh, 1:30pm (C. Forde)

Under 14 'A' All Ireland Final

Kerry v Kildare, Nenagh, 3:30pm (K. Delahunty)

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